Frank Review answers “If this is the true story of Lale and...”

Deanna asked this question about The Tattooist of Auschwitz:

If this is the true story of Lale and Gita, why is it being described as historical fiction?

Frank Review I had the same question. Historical fiction takes a true era or event and places fictional characters against that backdrop. The challenge of the genr…moreI had the same question. Historical fiction takes a true era or event and places fictional characters against that backdrop. The challenge of the genre is to ensure that every little historical detail is correct - such as clothes, food, transport, politics, ways of speaking and writing etc. This book is presented as the true story of two real people. It is clear that the author has added research to her interviews with Lale so I also cannot see how this is historical fiction.
If the book was about a fictionalised tattooist or a fictionalised labour camp then the description would be correct. I don't think that it could even be called 'faction' when facts are combined with fiction - although that might be a more apt category for this book.
A great question.(less)

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Deanna Agreed. Since I haven't read the book, I'm not sure if she embellishes the story somewhat, possibly incorporating fictional characters or imposing dia ...more
Feb 12, 2018 10:10PM · flag

Ellen Klock I don't mind her taking poetic license in writing a fictionalized version of events, just don't claim to have thoroughly researched the details when i ...more
Jan 13, 2019 09:09PM · flag

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The Tattooist of Auschwitz

by Heather Morris (Goodreads Author)

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